Dear Fisher,

My name is Monte and I have to tell you, I am just not all that happy to see boxes of holiday stuff coming down from the attic. I am 16 years old now and have gone through many holidays in my beautiful home. People just show up! It’s all abuzz, as they say. It’s good that everyone is loving and happy, but I am just not in the mood this year.

And then there’s all the cooking that goes on here. It’s amazing. My housemate woman is a fantastic cook. I know that because that is a huge part of the conversation around the dinner table – not that I ever get to taste any of it. But, it used to smell so good to me. Now, I just don’t like it so much. Am I just being a…what would you call it? A Hum Bug? What’s the matter with me anyway?

Monte

Dear Monte,

No, I do not sense anything of a humbug in you. At age 16, you are somewhere around the age equivalency of an 80 year old human. I am not that far behind, and my honest opinion is that you can think whatever you want. You have earned it! My readers know by now that one of my favorite concepts is R-E-S-P-E-C-T. You have earned that, too.

Cats – and dogs, and other animals for that matter – are much like humans in their aging process. It is natural, even though the tendency to fight it is enormous for some. There is nothing wrong with being aged. Sure, the eyes may get a little cloudy and out of whack and you cannot quite make the jump from the floor to the lavished dining room table. Grey hairs show up, you now have a little paunch, your limbs get a little creaky, and so does your attitude.

How you handle your holidays this year is much dependant on the guest list. If you are expecting small children, giddy young couples, some of whom will bring that darn dog with them, and numbers of people you have met before but are not all that familiar with, plan a day of lounging away from the maddening crowd. If you are expecting a group of 4 or more assorted people, try to get your human to provide a nice bowl of food, a special treat, and water. Your litter box would probably be a good idea, too. She can place it lovingly in the Master Bedroom where you can lounge all day on the big comfy bed. Guests can use the bed in the guest room to their purses, coats, gifts, cleaned soufflé dishes, etc. You can just be queen for the day, and I guarantee, you will get through the ordeal very well.

I found this in an enlightening article by Phil Maggitti, Caring for the Older Cat, “That celebrated cat lover Cleveland Amory once defined a conservative as someone who does not like anything to happen that has not happened before. The older cats become, the more conservative they get.” Maggitti writes of the many changes in cats as they age. Diminished sight, weight gain, finicky eating habits due to lessened sense of smell are all very normal. Along with those changes may come crabbiness, lack of interest in playing with your toys, and accentuated reaction to holidays which lead to stress. Ask any 80 year old person, and they will concur.

All living beings, of course, must try to exercise, eat healthy, enjoy good dental care, and relax. If any symptoms go to beyond moderate level, you should consult your veterinarian or acupuncturist. But as for your humbuginess, enjoy it and enjoy a quiet day of solitude while the throngs of folks downstairs – even the ones that brought the dog – are enjoying their holiday merriment. Honor yourself and you will be honored. Enjoy!

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt* Tampa Bay

Dear Fisher,

Hi. My name is Zilla, and I am guessing I am a descendant of Godzilla. That’s what I think anyway. That must be how I got my name. I sleep in a cool coconut shell my folks bought at the pet store. My problem is that my people just freak me out sometimes. I know it’s because they love me and think I am really cute, but their schedules and mine are totally out of synch. From early morning to late afternoon, I am in my serious sleep mode and then I can become suddenly airborne. What the heck is that about? I let them alone when they are sleeping! And then I shed. It’s normal, but they think I must be sick. I don’t even want to discuss the possibility of pet insurance over this, but I do want them to know how I feel without offending them. Thank you for listening.

Zilla

Dear Zilla,

I cannot think of any critter who would react favorably to going from sound sleep to airborne in a matter of nanoseconds. It would freak out most of us. In your case the explanation is simple. It is a predatory action for an enemy to approach a Leopard Gecko from above. It is important for your people to try to approach you from the front and at the same level in order for you not to perceive them as a predator. The fact that you are happily sleeping just makes the situation more difficult.

It will be good if your humans learn to place their hand in your enclosure and just let you walk into it on your own. They can also speak softly to you and offer a treat with their other hand. This might be an ideal situation, but it can be done. It is, of course, important for them to realize that if the soft voice and the treat incentive are ignored, you are sleeping and they might want to try again when your natural rhythm dictates you to be awake and alert, which is usually during the early stages of the night. However, now that you are in captivity (and I mean that in a most positive vein), you may loose some of your normal nocturnal instincts. Sometimes the over eager willingness for them to care for you results in a slight bit of irritation on your part. Give it time and patience.
The fact that they bought you a special coconut shell to sleep in indicates you can count on living well in their home. For instance, your tendencies to portray some sort of prehistoric creature, although much smaller, are very endearing. As you lumber along, ever so slowly, with each leg taking a slow turn to propel you along your path, they see you as some sort of pre-historic mini-dinosaur, and are truly in awe of your uniqueness. Just imagine how proud they are to have you as a pet. You are conjuring up things from their own long lost ancestry that they may not even be aware of.

And then you go into your shedding mode. What is a person to do when their beloved pet is turning white all over. During this time you probably quit eating. Humans do not always understand the process is natural and it can be disturbing to them. As you all get to know and understand each other, this will go away. You may have to put up with some “oh no, what is wrong with Zilla?”, but in the long run, they will learn that is what you do. Just as you will learn that they think you are so cute when you are sleeping, they have to pick you up and hence, there you are, airborne again.

There is some very good information and tips for your people at Leopard Gecko. If you can, print it out and post it on the refrigerator door and then act very innocent. I won’t tell.

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt* Tampa Bay

Dear Fisher –

I am really a pretty happy camper living with my people. We are a family of firsts – first marriage, first house, and first puppy. Life is good here and we get along great. There is just one thing that puzzles me. I can do something one time and they smile and think I am very cute, and then if I do it again, they scold me for it. We are all three learning new rules, but sometimes I just get confused. Sometimes I think I confuse them, too. I am wondering if there are some easy steps to follow since we are all new at this. Do you have some good advice?

Scotty

Dear Scotty,

I think if you ask any human what the cutest thing in the world is, they would say a puppy (or a kitten!). It gets a little hard to be firm with such young and adorable exuberance, but a good dose of proper etiquette will help you all in your future. You are right to mention that the rules are for everyone in your household. Consistency is the key to helping you learn your boundaries and it is important for your people as well. Everyone knows you are not trying to be naughty – you are just being a puppy! But that cannot be an excuse. You all have the delightful opportunity to learn together. What a solid relationship that will lead to!

Chewing is a result of your teething. You will not be teething in a few years, so at that point, chewing on everything in sight is just plain naughty. Time to learn now, and the best way is for you to have your own toys. Your toys are to be treated in any way you would like, unless you decide to flush a big stuffed animal down the toilet. The rule here is to monitor your behavior so you can be independent when dealing with your personal belongings, but realize that if it affects others in the household, you have to think about consequences. Old socks and shoes should not be part of your toy box. That will cause confusion when you decide one day to add to your collection by collecting new socks and shoes to chew up.

Dogs love to dig. Puppies start out by clawing. Anytime you are inside the house, you should know that clawing is a bad thing. You probably have carpet in your new house and if you should happen to spot some loose fibers, and if you should happen to claw it, and then get excited and claw more, you will surely get yourself into trouble. An old friend of mine did that with a Berber carpet and the results were horrendous. His people came home to find something akin to an unraveled ball of yarn. So unless anyone in your household would like to knit up a new carpet, leave it alone!

Your people will do well to use your name, Scotty, for positive reinforcement only. “Good boy, Scotty!” When they want to impose a rule, they should use a short firm command like “Stop!”, or “No!” Your name is special and endearing and should always stir up good feelings.

Most of your behavior can be measured on a scale, and you must try to tip it for good. On the good side is your active, energetic nature and on the bad side is hyperactivity. The good side, mouthing and chewing on your own toys, as opposed to the bad side of biting, snapping, or attempting to bite people. You get the picture. A very good site with lots of information on puppy behavior is the Dumb Friends League. Starting out on the right track of good behavior at your young age will lead to much happiness.

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt* Tampa Bay

Dear Fisher,

There is an event called Parrots in the Park in Orlando, but I like to go outside to all sorts of events with my human parents and they like to take me everywhere. There are dog parks for dogs, but few places to bring your feathered companions. Even when there are places to go, it’s very hard to find if they are bird friendly. I love going with them to outside cafe’s and restaurants, but it’s so hard to find ones that let us eat there. We try to find dog friendly outdoor eating, and that helps, but we’d love to be able to find more places we can go and enjoy life with our humans, or go and eat with them. They love to share food with us! Do you have suggestions for pets other than dogs who want to get out and about with their humans?

Baby

Dear Baby,

I have been pondering the issue for a long time. I do not go out much, so I had to consult my human. She has had several sightings of “the other pets” in and around St. Pete. Down at the Pier, she sat next to a man with a tiny monkey tucked into his shirt She reports several sightings of a humans walking around John’s Pass with their birds, several birds and an occasional cat at the Saturday Morning Market, ferrets at the recent Pet Walk in St. Pete, and even a nice young couple pushing a baby stroller along Bay Drive with a chimpanzee in it!

My friends at Pet Friendly Travel report news for people and pets traveling around the country:
Hollywood, CA, July 14, 2006 — Florida passed a “Doggie Dining Law” in June, Austin, TX got one in March, New York City allows pets to accompany their owners at outdoor dining spots, and Chicago’s restaurateurs are lobbying for similar approval. Meanwhile, California’s well-established business in letting pets join their owners while dining al-fresco makes that state a leader of the doggie-dining pack. Across the nation, more and more eateries and watering holes are joining the ranks of pet-friendly establishments – increasing dining choices for pet owners, and adding an upscale revenue stream for hospitality owners.

There are 2 important things to take from the above statement. First is the reference to “Doggie Dining” and second is the generic use of “pets”. While the world is moving forward with their love and concern for pets in general, it seems the dog population has a much bigger lobby. That does not mean we “other pets” have to assume we are not welcome. To affect change, we need to ask for change. If we are all willing to show up for dinner and run the risk of getting asked to leave, we will eventually sort out which eateries are willing to let us share their venues. FloridaPets is an excellent source for pet friendly places in Florida.

We must show up at the plate with excellent behavior and dignity. Respect for other guests is of utmost importance. Plan to practice a few rules of etiquette. Keep 2 (or 4) feet on the ground at all times while dining out. If it means you are to stay under the table, then so be it. Never eat or drink out of a vessel used for the people guests. It is best to bring your own bowl and utensils. Do not fraternize with guests or staff unless you are welcomed to do so. By all means, do not make noise or purposely draw attention to yourself. Ask your humans to be very friendly with staff and tip generously.

Change takes time and can happen with small consistent steps. Go forth into the world, Baby. I hope to see you out and about and maybe we can do lunch sometime.

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt* Tampa Bay

Dear Fisher,

Oh dear oh dear! Here I am, an adorable little girl, and I wouldn’t hurt anyone. I keep hearing that dogs like me are bad. I don’t think I am bad at all! I love people! Mine are very loving and have lots and lots of friends and they love me and my older cousin. We don’t cause any trouble. They take us on long walks and are very careful that we behave ourselves when we’re out with them. It’s easy to be good for them because we know they really adore us.

My older cousin used to go to the dog park when he was little like me, but when he got bigger he made others at the park nervous. So, they stopped taking him because they didn’t want anyone to feel afraid. I know they miss the man who took him there because he is always happy and everyone likes to be around him. We are very nice but I know some people don’t like us at all. What can I do about that?

Jem

Dear Jem,

You are very right that some people have a fear of your breed. Pit Bulls are often called bully dogs because they are strong and can be rambunctious. You are one of the lucky ones because you are treated so well and your people live in a happy home where you are loved and respected. I can tell they also respect other people and feel responsible for your behavior, so they are making sure you are the good guys. Your breed is a loving, loyal and intelligent breed. Most problems with Pit Bulls come from their handlers who may not be as well organized and responsible as your people. They do sound wonderful, and are aware of the “rap” you guys get generally. They are obviously in tune with others and they should be commended for being ambassadors for you and your kind.

There are three crucial elements to raising both humans and dogs: respect, love, and training. Those who are dogs raised by humans who have little of those traits will not be as well behaved and can cause a lot of problems for the rest of you. You will probably notice when out on your walks that some dogs, regardless of their breed, are not as well behaved as you and your cousin. In your lifetime, you will hear of news stories of Pit Bulls who attack humans and other animals. According to The Real Pit Bull, “Pit Bulls can and do interact peacefully with other dogs and animals. Individual temperament, early training, and socialization all play important roles in determining a Pit Bull’s behavior.”

Right here in the Tampa Bay area, the SPCA is working hard to help people understand your breed and care for you properly. They are asking that your humans be part of the responsible owner solution to Pit Bull stereotypes and test you for good citizenship. “Pit Bulls are not inherently bad dogs,” said Beth Lockwood, Executive Director of the SPCA Tampa Bay. “If they are raised with responsible owners who understand their working breed nature they can be wonderful companions.” You can find out more about this by visiting them online at SPCA Tampa Bay. They will even give you a paper declaring you a Certified Good Citizen! I suggest that before you frame your certificate, you make a very small copy, laminate it, and attach it to your collar.

So, Jem, you should be aware that your behavior is a little more scrutinized than that of other dog breeds. You are getting a great start in life because of the people you live with. Don’t hang your head – be proud of who you are, and by all means, be on your best behavior at all times. It is simply a very good habit to get into. We will all look forward to happy news stories about you guys in the future!

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt* Tampa Bay